St Lucia
Overview
St Lucia boasts some of the finest scenery in the Caribbean - from white sand beaches to tropical rainforests and the distinctive peaks of the Pitons.
Making the most of St Lucia
St Lucia's stunning scenery is green and lush with verdant valleys and banana plantations, while French influences can be seen in the architecture, street names and local language. Most hotels are in the north-west near the best beaches, including Pigeon Island and Reduit Beach at Rodney Bay. Sports are quite popular, with championship golf courses,mountain bike tours, snorkelling and diving all available.The island is warm and sunny year round - the rainy season is from May to January (heaviest from July to November) with a risk of tropical storms and hurricanes.
Must sees
St Lucia is a paradise for those who enjoy an active holiday with a wide variety of both land and watersports. Other attractions include Castries, the capital; Marigot Bay where 'Dr Dolittle'was filmed and many yachts are moored; the waterfalls near the town of Soufrière; and historic Pigeon Island. Also near Soufrière are the famous Gros Piton and Petit Piton (dramatic twin peaks that overlook the sea) and the world's only drive-in volcano with its sulphur springs. Make the most of the natural surroundings with a visit to the diamond hot springs and pretty botanical gardens, Pigeon Island National Park; take to the water on a whale-watching or sunset cruise; and get close to the colourful reefs with a snorkel or a scuba tank. If you're there between mid-March and January, you may even get to see leatherback turtles as they come to shore to nest.
Must buys
Castries market is popular with bargain hunters while Pointe Seraphine is an elegant shopping centre. Best buys include batik, items made from straw, pottery, wood carvings and shell jewellery.
Must tries
Nightlife is lively and there are many discos and bars. Steel bands and limbo dancers perform at most hotels and every Friday evening visitors and islanders mingle in a lively party atmosphere at Gros Islet Street Fair, where you can dance and eat. Rodney Bay is also good for entertainment, with a good number of bars and restaurants, often with live music.There is cuisine to suit a variety of tastes in St Lucia, including Creole, French, English, Italian,Mexican and Chinese.
